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USC freshman linebacker Cameron Smith, center, runs into the end zone after returning an interception 54 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter of Saturday's game against third-ranked Utah. Smith intercepted Utah quarterback Travis Wilson three times in the Trojans' upset victory.

USC wide receiver De'Quan Hampton, right, makes a catch along the sideline in front of Utah defensive backs Dominique Hatfield, left, and Chase Hansen during the first half of Saturday's game at the Coliseum.

Utah linebacker Jason Whittingham, right, grabs the facemask of USC running back Dominic Davis during the first half.

USC interim head coach Clay Helton talks to his team during the first half of Saturday's game against third-ranked Utah at the Coliseum. Helton's Trojans dealt the Utes their first loss of the season.

Utah quarterback Travis Wilson (San Clemente High) passes during the first half of Saturday's game against USC at the Coliseum.

USC defensive tackle Delvon Simmons sacks Utah quarterback Travis Wilson late in the second quarter of Saturday's game at the Coliseum.

USC fullback Soma Vainuku, top, dives into the end zone for a game-tying touchdown during the second quarter of Saturday's game against third-ranked Utah.

USC linebacker Cameron Smith, right, evades an attempted tackle by Utah quarterback Travis Wilson as he runs toward the end zone with a 54-yard interception return touchdown late in the second quarter of Saturday's game. Smith intercepted Wilson three times in the Trojans' upset victory.

USC linebacker Cameron Smith, left, begins to celebrate with defensive end Greg Townsend Jr. after Smith returned an interception 54 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter of Saturday's game against third-ranked Utah. Smith intercepted Utah quarterback Travis Wilson three times in the Trojans' upset victory.

USC running back Justin Davis drops the ball after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of Saturday's game against third-ranked Utah at the Coliseum.

The oddsmakers curiously installed USC as the favorite over Utah on Saturday – despite the Trojans’ 3-3 record and the 6-0 Utes being the third-ranked team in the AP poll.

The wise guys were right.

USC blasted Utah, 42-24, in front of a frisky crowd of 73,435 at the Coliseum, ending a two-game losing streak and perhaps kick-starting a hoped-for second-half run.

Freshman linebacker Cameron Smith had three interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown. The pick-six, late in the second quarter, gave USC a 28-14 lead. In a departure from recent performances, the Trojans built on it in the second half, getting touchdowns from Cody Kessler (1-yard sneak) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (25-yard pass from Kessler).

By getting a lead and adding to it, USC (4-3 overall, 2-2 Pac-12) forced Utah (6-1, 3-1) out of its comfort zone. Star tailback Devontae Booker had just 62 yards on 14 carries (he did add 49 yards on six catches). Quarterback Travis Wilson threw four interceptions – surpassing by one the former San Clemente High standout’s total for the season. The Utes had just 99 rushing yards and 353 total yards.

USC won despite losing two more starters to injury – center Toa Lobendahn (knee) and tight end Taylor McNamara (shoulder).